Title

Author

Date of Award

8-1-2012

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Food and Nutrition

First Advisor

Long Roth, Sara

Abstract

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Kristin Timken, for the Master of Science degree in Food & Nutrition, presented on November 21, 2011, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: PERCEPTIONS & SATISFACTION OF HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES AMONG COLLEGE-AGED FEMALES IN A SELF-SERVE DINING FACILITY SETTING MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Sara Long Roth Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure perceptions of healthy food choices and satisfaction of menu choices among members of a sorority house. Design: Three surveys were used in this experiment, two pre-tests and one post-test. Subjects and Setting: The study consisted of a self-selected sample of 38 females aged 18-23 who were living in Stein Hall. Intervention: Food and menu items were changed to incorporate healthier food items and healthier recipes along with addition of more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Statistical Analysis: One-way ANOVA tests were used to test for significance. Post-hoc tests were used to compare the three surveys. Results: Almost 90% of the participants reported being dissatisfied, to some extent, with menu items served at meals on the first survey. Residents' reported satisfaction of menu changes changed significantly throughout duration of the study. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that increasing healthy foods on the menus increased reported satisfaction of meals.